Feel safe driving in the dark with Davanti’s winter and all-season range

As the clocks are set to change on 26th October and the shortest day of the year is fast approaching, driving in the dark is going to become the new norm for the foreseeable future. 

Reduced visibility when driving in the dark calls for additional preparation and extra caution from drivers to keep themselves and other road users safe.

To help you feel equipped to drive in the dark, we’ve summarised a few key things to remember, as well as how our tyre range might support you this autumn and winter. 

The most important tip: Pick the right tyres

Your tyres are your vehicle’s most crucial safety feature when driving in the dark. The right tyres will reduce your braking distance, improve performance in snow and ice, and provide extra reaction time for hazards that can be more difficult to spot from a distance.

Each of our tyres is designed and tested to extremes. During the colder seasons, when it gets dark earlier, they provide an additional element of security and confidence, delivering consistent performance in low temperatures.

The Davanti Tyres Winter and All-season range

We have designed our entire cold-weather range with safety in mind. Our all-season passenger car tyres, Alltoura 4-Seasons, and our commercial offering, Vantoura 4-Seasons, are built for year-round performance, eliminating the need to change tyres between seasons. They perform optimally in temperate climates like the UK, offering superior control in dry braking, wet handling, and aquaplaning.

The Wintoura tyre range is built for harsh winter conditions, providing greater control on ice and snow. The grooves within the tread are designed to disperse water effectively – increasing grip – making it a great choice for the safety-conscious driver. It is even effective on untouched snow-covered roads, providing reassurance to those workers who head out on the road early.

Lastly, our all-terrain tyre, the Terratoura A/T, is 3PMSF (3-Peak Mountain Snowflake) certified, meaning it has been tested in demanding wintry and wet conditions to ensure it meets the required safety standards. This certification is a must-have in countries that require a seasonal tyre changeover. Like the Alltoura 4-Seasons, the Terratoura A/T is an all-season tyre, meaning you don’t have to swap back to summer tyres once the temperatures rise. The Terratoura A/T is designed for off-roading enthusiasts, is legal for on-road use, and remains hard-wearing.

Ensure you are well-rested

Make sure you are well-rested before a long journey, particularly if heading out later in the day. Driving tired makes you a danger to yourself and others. If you start to feel tired, find a safe place to stop and take a break. Driving in the dark requires you to be extra vigilant, so the more rested you are, the more responsive you’ll be, minimising the risk of an accident.

Drive with potholes and other obstructions in mind

Driving in the dark, particularly during autumn when leaves are covering the roads, means that obstructions in the road can be harder to spot. Ensure you’re driving within the speed limit, particularly in poorly lit areas and be aware of the potential for hitting potholes, as striking one at high speed can cause serious damage to your tyres. 

Plan ahead 

Preparation is crucial for any journey, whether it’s a short school run or a long road trip. Driving in the dark presents additional hazards and can make other drivers more cautious and prone to errors. Before setting off, always check the weather and traffic conditions. For instance, rainy nights often lead to slower driving, increasing your travel time.

Perform key vehicle checks

Make sure all your vehicle’s lights are working properly and ensure you know how to activate your full beam when necessary, particularly when driving in rural areas. If you are struggling with your visibility whilst driving in the dark, your car bulbs may simply need changing, so ensure everything is in working order before hitting the road.

Additionally, ensuring your windscreens and windows are clean can make a huge difference whilst driving in the dark, especially in winter when gritters have been out and salt and spray from other vehicles can impact your visibility. A dirty windscreen can amplify glare, making it trickier to see clearly what is in front of you.

And do not forget…

• If conditions are bad, you should consider whether your journey is really necessary and if in doubt, don’t travel.
• Be prepared and carry a survival pack in your car, including food, water, a blanket and warm clothes. Also, keep a shovel in your boot, just in case of sudden and heavy snow fall during your journey.
• Keep your phone fully charged and carry a battery bank or charger.
• If possible fit winter or all-season tyres; otherwise, have your summer tyres checked before winter descends to ensure that you have the maximum grip and traction as the weather is so unpredictable.
• Check your battery – in cold weather, batteries are under extra pressure and are more likely to fail.

If you’re looking for some all-season or winter tyres, Davanti has hundreds of stockists nationwide. Our convenient dealer locator makes it simple to find the closest dealer to you. Should you need any assistance or advice, please don’t hesitate to contact us via our online form.